At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India will require an incredible effort to win the opening Test match against New Zealand. To win the game and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series, the Black Caps need to score 107 runs. The score does not seem much but once before in history, the hosts have defended the score of 107 in the final innings of a Test match.
In their Test history, India has only ever successfully defended a target of 107 or less. Rahul Dravid's India defeated Ricky Ponting's Australia in 2004 at the Wankhede Stadium in India by 13 runs after dismissing the opposition for 93 runs in the fourth innings while defending 107. India won because of the spin combination of Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, and Murali Kartik.
India had a massive lead of 356 runs on them after being bowled out for 46 in their first innings. But in their second innings, the home team came out swinging, scoring 462 runs. With the help of 18 fours and three sixes, Sarfaraz Khan amassed 150 runs off 195 balls, making him the Indian team's most valuable player.
Before being removed by William O'Rourke after scoring 99 runs off 105 balls, Rishabh Pant was unlucky to miss out on a century. Matt Henry and O'Rourke each claimed three wickets. On Day 4, rain finally put an end to play in New Zealand's run-chase, leaving only four balls possible.
The visitors now only need 107 runs to win and with a whole day in their hand, it does not appear to be a tough job. On the other hand, the Indian team would need another miraculous performance with the ball to pull this off in their corner again.
